A a serious house fire in Rolleston which saw a family fleeing their home was caused by an electrical fault, it has been revealed.

Crews were called to the house off Station Road at 2.10am on Monday, February 12.

The mother and father, in their 30s, who woke as a result of their smoke detector - have been praised for their quick thinking actions in getting their six children, including a five-month-old baby, out via an upstairs bedroom window. They also got out one of the family's pet dogs - an Alsatian.

Firefighters rescued the family's three English and Irish setters, which were given oxygen therapy via specially designed animal breathing masks called Smokey Paws.

The parents of the six children have been praised for their quick thinking and "doing the right thing" in what has been called a "serious" blaze

Unfortunately several pet hamsters and a hedgehog died in the blaze - however, a hibernating tortoise survived despite remaining in the house.

It has now been revealed by Staffordshire fire crews that the blaze was caused by an electrical fault in the TV in the family's lounge.

Fire investigation officer Rob Horton urged members of the public to check their electrical appliances for damage and exposed wires on a regular basis to prevent similar incidents.

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"The fire investigation concluded that the blaze started in the television in the lounge and was caused by an electrical fault.

"We encourage all residents to register their appliances and check them regularly for any damage or exposed wires."

Significant damage was caused to the living room area of the house along with widespread smoke damage to the house, a fire service spokesman said.

Many of the family's possessions were destroyed in the fire, but members of the Rolleston communtiy have rallied to collect toys, clothes and other items for them

All of the family members were checked out at the scene and found to have suffered smoke inhalation.

The husband needed oxygen before the family were taken to Burton's Queen's Hospital for further checks.

Neighbours and Rolleston Parish Council alike have praised the two parents for their heroic actions during the incident, and members of the community have rallied to collect clothes, toys, hygiene products and other items for the family.